Worcester Police Comfort Dog Visits Students Who Named Him

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police's first-ever comfort dog got a chance to meet the kids who named him this week.

Sheruff Barkley, a six-month-old Bernadoodle, visited third graders at Tatnuck Magnet School on Wednesday. Those students were responsible for giving him his name.

Last fall, members of the Worcester Police Department asked students at Worcester Public Schools to help name the pup. After compiling a list, the public voted on the names.

In October, officers and school officials stopped by the school to tell the students they won the competition, and they returned this week with the puppy himself.

Related: Meet 'Sheruff Barkley': Worcester Police's New Comfort Pup

"He was a good boy, allowing everyone to pet him. His handler, Officer Michael Higgins, answered all the questions the kids had and even showed them how Sheruff Barkley is learning to respond to his commands," the Worcester Police Department wrote in a statement.

The police department said this was the first of many visits for its new comfort pup. Sheruff Barkley's purpose is to meet with residents who need love and support after emergencies, and he will regularly visit schools, retirement communities and other spots in the city, police said.

The Bernadoodle was gifted by Julie of VidaDoodle in New Hampshire, in honor of her brother, Michael Vigeant, who unexpectedly died, according to WPD.

Julie told WPD that that particular mixed breed had great traits as comfort animals, and are hypoallergenic so that they can cuddle with everyone. Comfort dogs can provide friendship and reassurance in times of anxiety and offer a calm source of support to minimize the impact of trauma.

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